oil stains on laundry need help fixing Maytag SE1000

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eidling

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Sep 8, 2013
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10
Location
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Hi - This is my first post. We have a Maytag SE1000 stackable washer/dryer. Lately we are sometimes seeing small oil stains on our laundry items.

I have removed the agitator, as we found it was coming from underneath. The picture below shows where the oil is coming from and how it is in the bottom of the agitator as well.

Please tell me what the most likely source of the problem is. Based on what I have read, it looks like this is a transmission oil leak. I'd like to fix it. I have some fix-it ability, but I am by no means a pro and do not what to screw things up.

thank you in advance for any help that may be offered.

eidling++9-8-2013-11-25-15.jpg
 
Oil Leak on an Early SE1000

It a nutshell you need a new transmission and a seal and mounting stem kit. If you want to keep the orignal long stroke style transmission and your blue Power-Fin agitator the best thing is to grab a used transmission from any BIG tub [ 19 gallon size ]Maytag washer built from 1966-1990. You can also still get a NEW transmission from Whirlpool, but you will need a different smaller fin agitator and you could also use the newer style transmission from any MT big tub washer built from about 1990-2006, again with the newer style agitator.

 

This is a fairly involved job so you may or may not want to fix this machine as you already have gotten more than 20 years life out of it.

 

Best replacements if you still need a stack would be the new WP or MT top load stack if you want another top loader and if you want the best possible stack in terms of long term durability look into the Speed Queen Front- Load stack. The SQ is also FAR larger than the SE1000 and uses half the water, 1/3 the hot water and 25% less electricity in the dryer due to the washers better spin cycle speed all while to giving you superior laundry results.
 
Excuse my ignorance of all things Maytag but why do you need to change the transmission just for an oil leak? Do that not supply parts to repair them?
 
Thank you Combo52 for confirming what I was worried might be the case. If I clean up all of the oil is it possible we won't get oil on our clothes for awhile? I don't know how rapid the leak is, but I was hoping if it is not too bad that cleaning it up might buy us some time....

Also - we no longer need a stackable. Is there a place on this forum where I can get other recommendations regarding new units? We don't need anything fancy. Reliability and cost is our main concern.

Thank you again!
 
Still curious to hear if you think if cleaning will bide us some time until we can/must get a new unit, but since my last post I went ahead and cleaned things, so now it looks like this:

http://

eidling++9-8-2013-14-41-12.jpg
 
It's possible you won't get one load before the stains start again, or, it's possible you could do 10 loads- it depends on how severe the leak is.
 
thanks dustin92. That's what I suspected. I don't think it's a horrible leak since we were not getting oil on all of our things, just some of them and it was not happening with every load.

We shall see....!
 
Where I can get other recommendations

There are so many nice used washers/dryers on Craiglist why spend a small fortune on a new, and most likely inferior machine. Look for a pre 2007 Whirlpool, Kenmore, etc, Direct Drive washer and 29 inch, top lint filter dryer.

Speed Queen is good as well but hard to find used.
 
Thanks DigAPony - Your point is well taken. I think I need to start to learn about washers and dryers in a hurry!
 
Oil Leak on an Early SE1000

Reason for likely needing a complete transmission, usually the top transmission bearing is also very worn so a new seal will be quickly destroyed and the transmission likely has water in it if oil is coming up.

 

Eidling, you can always keep the MT SE1000 and use it as a dryer for some more years and set a new or good used washer next to it. The current dryer is at a very convenient height for most people.

 

Best new TL washer SQ, @ just over $700 these will last you 15-30 years, best used bet for a TL washer any WP, KM or Kitchenaid washer 1990-2010.
 
Thanks Combo52 and everyone else. I really appreciate how responsive and informative you all have been. It made it possible for me to work through the problem within a day, so now we know what we need to do - get a new washer.

Now begins the quest!!
 
Question for Combo52 (and others): I realize that it must be unlikely that this would work because no one suggested it, but I was wondering if I put some sort of sealant - gasket sealer, epoxy, etc. on the top if it would form enough of a plug to stop or inhibit the oil from coming out.

We are planning to look for another washer, but our time is limited, so I am still wondering if there is anyway to squeeze out a little more time from our Maytag stackable.

thanks again!
 
Anyway to squeeze out a little more time

The stem/boot seal and the agitator seal could be replaced.

However, the inner tub needs to be removed, that could be a extra work with a stacked unit, along with the actual repair. You'd also need the spanner wrench to remove the nut holding down the stem seal. Probably close to $100 in parts and tools. Could end up being a real mess if any complications arise.
Not something I'd suggest.

No easy fix here, sorry.

Just keep checking Craigslist for a nice used set and be ready to jump on it, the good deals go fast.
 
Thank you Yogitunes for letting me know there is no easy fix.

Regarding the unit in NJ, the problem is I live on Long Island and we do not own a vehicle that even just the washer could fit in. It has been a summer of expenses, including a young man who fell asleep at the wheel and totaled our minivan. IN any event, I am not ruling out the NJ one.. Also, the only reason we have this is we used to live in a tiny place. It has been good to us, but we're not invested in getting another stackable of any kind. The $175 or less price, however, makes this worth thinking about...

The washer/dryer is in Norwalk Conneticut. Not a hop, skip and a jump.

I have been looking at Long Island Craigslist, but I'm not confident about knowing how to check these things out.

Our neighbor and her family have been buying used washers from a place for years, so we may check that out.

Thanks everyone - I truly appreciate your responsiveness and advice!!
 
Buying used washers from a place for years,

Purchasing from a used appliance store may be the way to go without a means to transport. Typically a good quality set will run about $300 plus delivery. If you see something interesting post the info here for opinions before buying.

Generally, stay away from HE top loaders built in the last 5-7 years. HE= low water usage and limited warm water temps.
 

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